Lion Foundation ensures future of 'Waitangi'

The Logan classic yacht Waitangi, is out of the water for a full restoration that should prepare her well for another century of gracing the waters of the Waitemata.

A print of David Barker’s painting of the Waitangi

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The restoration work is, in the main, being funded by The Lion Foundation. Carried out by Horizon Boats Ltd, in Silverdale, it will take approximately 10 weeks and will restore the kauri beauty to original,

The 58ft Waitangi was first launched on 13th December 1894. She was the last major yacht built by Robert Logan Snr who founded the dynasty that, for three generations, was at the forefront of yacht design and building in New Zealand.

Now owned by the Classic Yacht Charitable Trust, Waitangi is a protected New Zealand antique under the Protected Objects Act 1975. She is also listed by the Ministry of Culture & Heritage as 'the classic yacht of New Zealand.'

The Waitangi restoration is the fifth to be carried out by the Classic Yacht Charitable Trust, which was founded in 2002 by Auckland marine industry legend John Street and former television news presenter Bill McCarthy. Also in the Trust’s growing fleet are the 34ft LOA Logan Brothers design Gloriana, first launched in 1892, the 59ft LOA Arch Logan design, Thelma, first launched in 1897, the 44ft Logan Brothers design Frances, first launched in 1906, and the 40ft ex-Auckland Harbour Board tug Te Hauraki, first launched in 1920.

In the wings and awaiting restoration before joining that fleet are the 56ft LOA Logan design Ariki, first launched in 1905, and the 40ft Logan design Kotiri, first launched in 1914.